Ruth was born September 27, 1922, in Albia, Iowa, to Joseph and Flossie (Carpenter) Whitehead. She moved to Wilbur, Ore. On July 2, 1940, in Vancouver, Wash., she married Elmer Pearson. After marrying, they moved to Canyonville, Ore., and raised her three children on their ranch. In 1964, she worked at Myrtle Creek Dairy Queen. Later, they bought the Rogue Haven Motel, which they managed.

After selling the motel, she graduated in 1979, at the age of 56, from Rogue Community College with an associate degree in secretarial science. Ruth managed the Knights Inn in Grants Pass, later moving to the Portland area to manage other apartment complexes. In 1990, she came to live with her daughter, Kathy, in Grants Pass.

Ruth was devoted to God and her family, and applied His principles throughout her life. She always tried to give her family wise guidance, protection, and activities to become productive and loving adults.